Tourist Attractions

Dyrham Park

This fine William and Mary house, set in 265 acres of ancient deer park, was built between 1691 and 1702 for William Blathwayt, William III's Secretary at state and at war. Rooms changed little since they were furnished by Blathwayt in the Dutch style, Delft China, Dutch Paintings, and fine 17th Century textiles.1840's domestic rooms open.

Opening Times:
Park - All year except 25th December, 12:00 noon to 5:30 pm (opens at 11:00 am on days when house is open)
House & Garden - 23rd March to 3rd November, Friday to Tuesday - 12:00 noon to 5:30 pm (gardens open at 11:00 am)
Last admission 3 / 4 hour before closing or dusk if earlier.

City of Bath

For over 2000 years visitors have been enjoying this golden city. Designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco, Bath has some of the finest architectural and historic treasures in Europe, including the Roman Baths and Pump Room, 15th century abbey and stunning Royal Crescent.

But it's no museum piece, despite it's world-class history and heritage. Bath is a decidedly 21st century city with an adventurous artistic and cultural life and sophisticated shopping.

It's an unmissable part of the great British experience.

Thermae Bath Spa

Britain's original and most remarkable Spa - the only place in the UK where you can bathe in natural hot waters. Thermae Bath Spa is a combination of the best of the historic Spa with a state of the art building offering modern comforts and facilities including four thermal baths and a full range of complementary therapies.

Opening Times:
Please check website for exact opening dates or call +44 1225 331234 for more information.

Castle Combe Racing Circuit

The Castle Combe Racing School can give you the chance to experience the thrill of driving around the fast and demanding Castle Combe Race Circuit. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to drive a real single seater racing car? Can you imagine the thrill of following in the tyre tracks of Hill, Mansell, Moss, Irvine or Coulthard? Would you like to drive the same type of racing car which launched the career of Michael Schumacher?

Castle Combe Racing School,
Chippenham, Wiltshire,
SN14 7EY, England

Tel: +44 1249 782929 / 782417
24-hour hot-line: 0870 2408385
Fax: +44 1249 782392

General - doreen.m@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Corporate - rodney@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Courses - doreen.m@castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Track days & Bikes - emma@castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Drive Tech Events

Castle Combe Skid Pan and Kart Track (Established Since 1988) is a multi-activity motoring centre, offering advanced and Intensive driving skills training, Kart Racing and Corporate Events.

We are based at Castle Combe Racing Circuit in Wiltshire, in the heart of the English countryside within easy access of major cities and airports. We are MSA, ARKS, NKA and BORDA approved and are licenced to run the MSA / ARKS tests for kart racing. (Castle Combe Skid Pan & Kart Track is a Drive-Tech company)

Castle Combe Skid Pan/Kart Track
Drive Tech Events,
Castle Combe Circuit,
Chippenham, Wiltshire,
England SN14 7EX

Tel: +44 1249 783010
Fax: +44 1249 783223

Roman Baths

Visit the heart of the World Heritage Site. Around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water. See the water's source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements. The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented using the best of modern interpretation.

Opening Times:
January to February - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, last entry 4:30 pm
March to June - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, last entry 5:00 pm
July to August - 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, last entry 9:00 pm
September to October - 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, last entry 5:30 pm
November to December - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, last entry 4:30 pm

Museum of Costume

The story of fashion over the last 400 years is brought alive at the Museum of Costume, the finest museum of fashionable garments in the world. The displays include 200 dressed figures to illustrate the changing styles in fashionable clothes from the late 16th century to the present day, chosen from the museum's collection of 30,000 original items.

Opening Times:
Open all year except 25th / 26th December
Januanry to February, November to December - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (exit 5:00 pm)
March to October - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (exit 6:00 pm)
Special exhibition Jane Austen: Film and Fashion

Bristol Zoo Gardens

Are you ready for a brilliant day out? From the smallest and rarest tortoise in the world, to the largest ape, there are over 300 exotic and endangered species to explore. Enjoy a whole day filled with excitement and discovery at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Don't miss Zona Brazil, Seal & Penguin Coasts, Gorilla Island, the Reptile House, Bug World and much, much more!

Opening Times:
Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm in summer, winter 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Closed Christmas Day

Stourhead Garden and House

Farleigh Hungerford Castle

Set in the picturesque valley of River Frome, this impressive castle hides a sinister past. Visit the chapel for medieval wall paintings & take a look into the crypt! Throughout the year history comes alive with an extensive programme of living history, military re-enactments, music and drama. Phone for details. Visitors with special needs, please call in advance.

Opening Times:
April to September - Daily from 10:00 am
Closing April to June - 5:00 pm, July to August - 6:00 pm, September - 5:00 pm, October to March 2005 Saturday and Sunday only 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre celebrates Bath's most famous resident with a permanent exhibition with knowledgeable guides; displays of her life and family; Georgian Bath; contemporary maps and unique photographic enlargements; elegant costumes; a specially made film, well-stocked Gift shop and much more. Out of hours and exclusive visits and tours available for groups.

Opening Times:
Open all year Monday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Sundays - 10:30 am to 5.30 pm

Longleat

UK Family Attraction of the Year 2002 (Good Britain Guide). Discover lions, tigers, rhino and giraffes in the Safari Park, get lost in Longleat's Hedge Maze, see the treasures and heirlooms of Longleat House, voyage on the Safari Boats and much much more! Dogs welcome on lead in the grounds, not allowed in any of the attractions, kennelling available whilst you visit the safari park.

Opening Times:
All attractions open daily 27th March to 31st October
Safari Park 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (5:00 pm on weekends, bank holidays and school holidays)
House open Easter - September daily 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Rest of the year Guided Tours at set times 11:00 am to3:00 pm
House closed 25th December

Holburne Museum of Art

This jewel in Bath's crown was once the Georgian Sydney Hotel, whose glittering society Jane Austen watched from her house opposite. It displays the treasures collected by Sir William Holburne: superb English and continental silver, porcelain, maicolica, glass and Renaissance bronzes. The Picture Gallery contains works by Turner, Guardi, Stubbs, plus portraits of Bath society by Gainsborough.

Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to5:00 pm (including Bank Holidays)
Sundays - 2:30 pm to 5.30 pm
Closed on Mondays
Open mid February to mid December

William Herschel Museum

Delightful Georgian townhouse, home to astronomer and musician William Herschel and his sister Caroline during last quarter of 18th century. Later occupied by the sister of Fanny Burney the novelist. Visit the astronomer's workshop where Herschel made his telescopes, and the original kitchen and music room. New Star Vault astronomy auditorium. Georgian garden landscaped in style of Herschel's day.

Opening Times:
Open daily, except Wednesday - 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
15th January to 15th December, Weekends - 11:00 am to 5:00pm

Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt - The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire is renowned worldwide both for its tree and shrub collection and beautifully landscaped grounds. Today the collection contains around 18,000 numbered specimens covering some 600 acres of Grade 1 Listed Landscape.

In 2001 it was joined with its sister pinetum, Bedgebury in Kent, to form the National Arboreta. Originally created in a picturesque style by Robert Holford the arboretum is now managed by the Forestry Commission and is open for all to enjoy - a beautiful, relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in the country. Westonbirt The National Arboretum is situated on the A433 approximately three miles from Tetbury.

It is sign posted both from Tetbury and Junction 18 on the M4 (look out for brown signs). From junction 18 follow the A46 towards Stroud. Turn onto A433 and follow brown signs.

Tewkesbury Abbey

Known to some as the 'Westminster Abbey' of the feudal barony, is one of the most impressive Norman churches in the country. Here are some of the finest bosses in England as well as a wonderful collection of medieval tombs and monuments. Guided, special & group tours are also available.

Church St.
Tewkesbury,
Glos, GL20 5RZ
England

Tel: +44 1684 850959

Opening Times:
Open daily all year round